Alfasi Property Secures Permit for $600 Million Development at 560 Church Street, Cremorne

Developer Alfasi Property has received approval from Heritage Victoria for the $600 million reimagination of the former Bryant and May Industrial Complex at 560 Church Street, Cremorne.

This project will transform the historic site into a vibrant, multi-use precinct while preserving its rich heritage. The development includes a $20 million investment dedicated to the conservation and adaptive reuse of the historically significant buildings that form part of the Bryant and May site.

These buildings will be retained in their entirety and repurposed for retail and hospitality uses, allowing the community to engage with the rich history of the site. A new public square, with the iconic chimney as its centrepiece, will further enhance the area’s cultural and social value.

The project will introduce new contemporary buildings ranging from 8 to 13 storeys, accommodating a mix of commercial office spaces and hospitality facilities, including a 168-room hotel operated by international lifestyle hotel, The Hoxton – new entrant to the Australian market. Approximately 3,000sqm of the site, representing nearly one-third of the total area, is dedicated to public realm improvements, including new publicly accessible open spaces.

The innovative design for this development, known as ‘MATCHWORKS’, was formulated following a design competition that reflects the creative vision of both the Alfasi Group and the internationally renowned architects Denton Corker Marshall. They are supported by a team of consultants with world-class credentials, including Oculus on landscape design, Lovell Chen as heritage consultants, Greenshoot Consulting on indigenous considerations and Era-Co as place makers.

In addition to its architectural and cultural merits, MATCHWORKS will set new standards for sustainability and climate resilience. The precinct aims to achieve 6 Star Green Star certification and a 6 Star NABERS target, demonstrating Alfasi Property’s commitment to best-in-class environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credentials.

The Office of the Victorian Government Architect (OVGA) praised the development, stating:

“We consider the scheme demonstrates respectful but inventive development of a significant heritage place and could become an exemplar both for Cremorne and other precinct-scale sites containing heritage elements and facing development challenges.”

On the project, Gill Dvir, Managing Director of Alfasi Property added:

“We envisioned MATCHWORKS as a vibrant, multi-faceted destination to foster community and commerce from day to night. The precinct will offer a variety of amenities, including a microbrewery, distinctive food and beverage options, boutique retail spaces, wellness facilities, and a hotel with a unique character and exceptional service.”

Cremorne, with its rich blend of industrial and residential heritage, has grown into a dynamic city fringe destination. MATCHWORKS will contribute to this evolution by bringing the historic Bryant s May site back to public life, reimagining its legacy to align with contemporary ways of life, work, and leisure.”

Alfasi Property intends to commence works onsite from October 2024, with a view to opening the doors to MATCHWORKS in 2027.